Compressor for gases.



H. G. GILLMOR.

COMPRESSOR FOR GASES.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 10, 1901.

1,1 30,394, Patented Mar. 2, 1915.

' s SHEETS-SHEET 1 Lini THE NORRIS PETERS CO.. F'HOTG-LITHO.. WASHINGTON, D. C4

H. G. GILLMOR.

COMPRESSOR FOB. GASES.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 10, 1901.

1,1 30,394, Patented M21112, 1915.

.2. SHEETS snnmz mmm a H. G. GILLMOR.

COMPRESSOR FOR GASES.

APPLIOATION FILED MAY-10, 1901.

1,130,394, Patented M21112, 1915.

v 3 SHEETS-SHEET 3,

canto a THE-NORRIS PETERS C0,. PHOTC-LITHO-. WASHINGTON, D. C.

HORATIO G. GILLIVIOR, OF WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

COMPRESSOR FOR GASES.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Mar. 2, 1915.

Application filed May 10. 1901. Serial No. 59,567.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, Hoan'rro G. GILL- MOB, a citizen of the United States, residing at Washington, in the District of Columbia, have invented an Improved Compressor for Gases, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to a machine for the compression of gases by the direct application of heat and its objects are to increase the economy and efficiency of the compression of gases by effecting a portion of or the entire compression through heat transmitted to the gases, and to produce a compressor for gases which shall be self-contained and self-driving.

Three embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings, but it will be obvious from an inspection of the claims forming part of this specification that the invention is not limited to the structures shown in the drawings.

Similar letters refer to similar parts in the drawings, in which Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional plan of a simple form of the compressor wherein the heat is generated and transmitted directly to the gases within the compression cylinder by the burning of a combustible therein; Fig. 2 is a vertical section of a modified form ofthe compressor, in which heat is transmitted to the gases through the walls of the compression cylinder, heat being applied externally thereto; and Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional plan of a compound compressor in which the compression is effected serially in two stages in cylinders of the type shown in Fig. 1, with the complete mechanism for self-driving.

In these figures A is a cylinder casting with one end water-jacketed as at B.

C is a displacer which fits with small clearance within the cylinder A and is capable of linear motion therein; L is the heated end of the compression cylinder; M is the comparatively cool end of the compresion cylinder; D is the regenerator of suitable construction; E is a valve which will lift when the pressure in the space M falls below the pressure in the space G and communicating spaces. 7

F is a check valve which allows the gases to pass from the space M through the passage H to N and communicating spaces, but closes and prevents a back flow of gases when the pressure in H and M falls below the pressure in N and communicating spaces.

T, Fig. 3 is a working cylinder; U a working piston; R and R are piston rods; V, V and V are connecting rods; W, W and W cranks; X a crank shaft; Y a fiy-wheel and Z a bed plate or foundation; 4 is a pulley by means of which a motion of rotation may be given to the crank shaft; 5 is a grate or a series of burners for burning fuel of any sort; 6a flue for the escape of the products of combustion and S lagging to retard radiation or the escape of heat.

I, I are pipes with nozzles or openings P and P through which liquid or gaseous combustible under suitable pressure may be discharged within the cylinder.

0 and are valves for regulating the flow of this combustible and K and K are plugs which may be removed to permit the lighting of combustible at P and then replaced.

In Fig. 1 there isshown a single compression cylinder to which air, or gases capable of supporting combustion, may be supplied at any pressure, whether that of the atmosphere or a higher or lower pressure, through the passage G; communication between the cylinder and the passage being automatically controlled by the valve E. The transfer of gases from one end of the cylinder to the other is effected by means of the crank, connecting rod, piston rod and displacer piston shown. By the pipe I with nozzle P. gaseous or liquid fuel, under suitable pressure to overcome the pressure within .the cylinder, is discharged at P. The flow of fuel is controlled by the valve 0 so that the quantity discharged may be sufficient for the purpose, but not in excess of the requirements. The plug K may be removed and the fuel lighted at P. The gases taken into the compressor cylinder are capable of supporting combustion. If then the plug K be replaced, the fuel discharged at P will continue to burn in the gases contained within the cylinder. The heat generated by the combustion will be directly transmitted to the contained gases in the space L, maintaining them at high temperature.

From the foregoing and by reference to the drawings, the action in the cylinder,will be clearly seen and understood to be as follows: It is assumed that the displacer is in such position at the commencement of its cycle of motion that the space L is a maximum and the space M a minimum. The end L of the cylinder is maintained at high temperature by the discharge of fuel through I and l which burns within the cylinder; and, therefore, the gases in the space L will be at high temperature. Revolution of the shaft X by the mechanism shown causes the displacer C to move and a portion or portions of the hot gases contained in the space L are transferred to the space M through the regenerator D. Tn this transfer they gire up to the surfaces of the regenerator, over which they pass, a portion of their heat; and are further cooled by contact with the surfaces of the cool end of the cylinder. This fall in temperature produces a corresponding fall in the pressure of the contained gases until, by the transfer of a suflicient proportion of the gases from L to M, the pressure within the cylinder becomes slightly less than the pressure in the space G and communicating spaces. The valve E will then lift and further motion of the displacer transferring gases from Lto M causes fresh gases to be drawn into the cylinder from and communicating spaces during the remainder of such motion. The valve E, at the end of the stroke of the displacer, will, by its oi n weight, fall to its seat.

The further revolution of the driving shaft causes the displacer to move in the direction which enlarges the space L and diminishes the space M, so transferring the comparatively cool gases from the space M through the regenerator D tothe space L. During this transfer the gases receive heat from the surfaces of the regenerator over which they pass and in L are further heated by contact with the hot walls of the compression cylinder or by heat generated by the burning of a combustible within the space L. This rise in temperature produces a corresponding rise in pressure which will continue, as more and more of the gases are transferred from M to L, until the pressure within the cylinder is slightly greater than the pressure in the space N and communicating spaces. Further motion of the displacer causing transfer of gases from M to L will cause compressed gases to flow through the check valve F until the end of thisstroke of the displacer, when the check valve will close and prevent any back flow of gases during the following stroke of the displacer.

It will thus be seen that, if the two ends of the cylinder be maintained at a suitable difference of temperature and proper arrangement be made to add heat to the gases when in the space L, motion of the displacerby transferring the gases alternately through the regenerator from L to M and from M to L, during one complete cycle of motion, will then cause gases, during one portion of the stroke,tobe drawn into the cylinder at the,

pressure existing in the space G and communicating spaces; and, during another portion of the stroke, to be discharged at a higher pressure through the passage H and the check valve F into the space N and communicating spaces. Each repetition of this cycle will produce similar results; and the ratio between the pressure of the gases taken in and their pressure when discharged from any such cylinder, and the quantity so discharged during cycle of motion, will depend primarily upon the diiferencein temperature of the gases when in the spaces L and M.

Tn Fig. 2 is illustrated a modified form of the invention which. differs from that shown in Fig. l, in that heat is transmitted to the gases in the space L through the walls of the compression cylinder, heat being applied externally thereto, and that gases of any kind, whether capable of supporting combustion or not, may be supplied at any pressure through the passage G. The walls of the end L of the compression cylinder externally heated by fuel burned on a grate 5, or in a series of burners properly disposed below the surface, the products of combustion escaping by the flue 6. The lagging S prerents or retards the dissipation of heat by radiation from the surfaces to which t is applied. The walls of the end L of the compression cylinder are maintained in this manner at as high a temperature as is consistent with the physical characteristics of the material of the walls or as the circumstances inay permit or require; and heat transmitted through them to the gases contained in the space L. The motion of the displacer piston effecting the transfer of gases from one end of the cylinder to the other is produced by the crank connecting rod and piston rod shown.

It will readily be seen and understood that he principle of operation of the form of compressor shown in Fig. 2 is the same as that of the form of compressor shown in Fig. 1; and that the motion of the displacer piston will, as described above, effect the aeriodic introduction of fresh gases from the passage G into the cylinder; and the compression and discharge during each cyclc, through the valve F and the passage N of an approximately equal amount of gases at higher pressure.

It will readily be seen and understood that by combining two or more such compression cylinders of either of the forms shown in Figs. 1 and 2 with their displacers, regenerators, etc., and so arranging them. that the gases discharged from one cylinder will pass into the succeeding cylinder (or into a reservoir or receiver from which the succeeding cylinder may take gases) the compression may be effected by steps or stages to obtain a desired pressure of the gases at; final discharge. from the compressor. The action in each cylinder will be as described above, a certain change in pressure being effected in each.

In Fig. 3 there is shown such a compound compressor, in which the compression is effected serially in two steps or stages in cylinders of the type shown in Fig. l, fitted with self-driving mechanism. In this compressor the cranks W and W are approximately opposite or about 180 degrees apart so that the displacers are moving in opposite directions. While then the displacer C is moving in the direction indicated by the arrow and transferring gases from the space M to the space L so producing a rise in pressure, as described above; the displacer C in the adjacent cylinder is moving in the opposite direction and transferring gases from the space L to the space M so producing a fall in pressure in that cylinder. When then the pressure in M becomes enough in excess of that in l 1 to cause the valve E to lift a flow of gases from M to M will commence and will continue to the end of that stroke of the displacer. Upon the return stroke, the valve E is closed by its own weight and the pressure of the gases above it and the fall in pressure in the first cylinder, produced by the transfer of gases from L to M, will cause fresh air to enter through the ports G. At the same time the transfer of gases from M to L will produce a rise in pressure within that cylinder and the discharge through the check valve F of a certain portion or portions of the gases, in the manner described above for the single cylinder.

A compound compressor in which the compression is effected serially in a greater number of cylinders may be constructed in a similar manner. In the machine shown in Fig. 3, the heat is added to the gases bythe burning of the combustible within the space L. A combination of externally heated compression cylinders, such as that shown in Fig. 2 might be effected similarly with the same purpose and results.

The motion of the shaft and mechanism for producing the movements desired in the displacer or displacers above described, may be effected by driving the said shaft by means of a pulley and belt, by gearing or by any other suitable device or devices such as motors driven by electricity, compressed gases, steam, vapors, etc. To make the compressor self-contained and self-driving, however, I prefer to arrange the driving mechanism as shown in Fig. 3, where T is a working cylinder in free communication with the space M of the compression cylinder; U a working piston of the type commonly employed in gas engines; V a connecting rod; W a crank on the shaft X;

and Y a fly-wheel. The crank W is at an angle of about 90 degrees to the crank W,

driving the displacer of the compression cylinder with which it communicates; so that,

when the'piston U is about to commence its outward stroke, the displacer C is somewhere near midstroke and moving outward. The pressure of the gases in M will, therefore, be either rising or be the pressure at which gases escape or are discharged from the first cylinder. The piston U will therefore move outward doing work in overcoming the frictional and other resistances in driving the mechanism and in accelerating the fly-wheel and moving parts. After the displacer 0 reaches the limit of its stroke and begins the return stroke, the pressure will fall and when the pressure within the compression cylinder has fallen sufliciently the valve E will lift and admit fresh gases through the ports G. The Working piston will begin its return stroke when the displacer is at somewhere about midstroke and moving toward L and a portion of the return stroke of the working piston will be effected against a pressure about that of the atmosphere, until by the motion of this piston and the displacer the pressure within the cylinder begins to rise; after which the remainder. of the stroke of the working piston would be effected against a rising pressure. Work would therefore be being done during the return stroke of the working piston in overcoming frictional and other resistances and the pressure of the gases in the space M. The energy necessary for this work will be given out by the fly-wheelhaving been given thereto during the out or working stroke of the piston U, the function of the fly-wheel in this case being well known and understood and directly similar to its action in the gas engine and other mechanisms in which there are fluctuations in the supply of energy. The effect then of the combination of the working cylinder, communicating freely with the space M and having its motion related to the motion of the displacer in the manner indicated, is to produce such continuous rotation "of the crank shaft X as is necessary to the operation of the compressor, so long as suflicient difference in temperature is maintained between the spaces M and L.

The driving mechanism described above may be applied to a single cylinder or simple compressor in the manner described and shown for the first cylinder of the two stage crank for the working cylinder and that of the compression cylinder, 1 do not limit myself to that angle or angles closely approximating to it; since by experiment it might be found that other angles might serve equally well or better for the purpose. It will be understood also that eccentrics, cams, or other mechanical devices may be employed in place of cranks.

l have shown the regenerators indicated as D and D in the several plans as being formed in a passage or passages in the displacer itself. They might also be constructed or formed in independent passages communicating with the spaces L and M and not move with the displacer; and the displacer would, in this case, be without passages and as light as consistent with the conditions.

@bviously, the invention may be embodied in widely varying forms within the scope of artisan; therefore, without limiting the invention to the constructions shown or described, or enumerating equivalents, I claim, and desir to secure by Letters Patent, the followino 1'. A compressor for gases including, in combination with a compression cylinder provided with means whereby one end thereof may be maintained at relatively high temperature, and means whereby the walls of the other end thereof may be cooled, a displaccr piston adapted to move within said compression cylinder, a regenerator tirongh which gases may be transferred from one end to the other of said compression cylinder by movements of said displacer piston, a valve for the admission of gases to and a valve for the discharge of gases from said cylinder.

2. A. compressor for gases including, in combination with a plurality of compression cylinders of suitable sizes provided with means whereby one of the ends of each may be maintained at relatively high tempera ture and means whereby walls of the other ends thereof may be-cooled, displacer pis tons adapted to move within said compression cylinders, means whereby suitable motions may be produced and maintained in said displacer pistons, valves for the admission of gases to and valves for the discharge of gases from said compression cylinders.

3. A compressor for gases, comprising a plurality of compression cylinders of suitable sizes provided with means whereby one of the ends thereof may be maintained at relatively high temperature, and means whereby the walls of the other ends thereof may be cooled, displacer pistons adapted to move within said compression cylinders, valves for the admission of gases to, valves for the discharge of gases from said cylinders, a working cylinder communicating at one end with one of said compression cylinders, a working piston adapted to move therein, and means whereby suitably related motions are transmitted to the said working piston and said displacer pistons.

-fl. In a compressor for gases the combination with compression cylinders, one of the ends of each of which may be maintained at high temperature while the other ends t isleof are maintained at comparatively low temperature, of displacer pistons located therein, regenerators in free communication with the two ends of the said compression cylinders, valves for the admission of gases to and valves ror the discharge of gases om the said compression cylinders, and means whereby suitable motions are transmitted to and maintained in said displacer pistons.

ln compressor for gases the combination witl. compression cylinders, one of the ends of each of which may be maintained at high temperature while the other ends ther or" are maintained at comparatively low temperature, of displacer pistons located therein, regenerators giving free commui ication between the two ends of each of the said compression cylinders, valves for the admission oit gases to and valves for the discharge of gases from the said compression cylinders, a working cylinder on and corn; municating with one of said compression cylinders, a working piston within the said working cylinder, and a mechanism to impart to and maintain in said displacers and working piston suitable motions 6. A gas compressor including, in combination with a plurality of compression cylinders constructed with combustion chair.- bers communicating with the interiors of one of the ends thereof and means w iereby the walls of the other ends thereof may be cooled, displacer pistons adapted to move within said cylinders, valves constructed admit gases to said cylinders, valves con structed to permit the discharge of gases from said cylinders, and means whereby a combustible fuel may be discharged and burned in said combustion chambers.

T. in a compressor for gases, the combination of compression cylinders each having a. combustion chamber communicating there with, displacer pistons adapted to move therein, regenerators communicating freely with the two ends of said cylinders, inlet valves adapted to admit gases to the several cylinders, a valve adapted to permit the discharge of gases from the said cylinders, and means for the introduction of combustible into the said combustion chambers.

8. In a compressor for gases the combination with a compression cylinder, a displacer piston therein, a regenerator and valved inlets and outlets, of another compression cylinder of suitable size, a displacer therein, a regenerator and valved inlets and outlets, and means whereby said displacer pistons may be made to reciprocate.

9. In a compressor for gases the combination with a compression cylinder, a displacer piston therein, a regenerator and valved inlets and outlets, of another compression cylinder of suitable size, a displacer piston therein, a regenerator and valved inlets and outlets, a working cylinder on and communicating with one of the said compression cylinders, a working piston in the said working cylinder, and means whereby said displacer pistons may be made to reciprocate.

10. A gas compressor including, in combination with a compression cylinder, piston, admission and discharge valves, a second compression cylinder provided with means whereby one end thereof is maintained at higher temperature than the other end thereof, a displacer piston adapted to move in said cylinder, valves controlling the admission of gases to, and the discharge of gases from, said cylinder, and means whereby said displacer is made to reciprocate.

11. A gas compressor comprising a plurality of compression cylinders, each provided with heating means for maintaining one end thereof at higher temperature than the other end, displacers adapted to move in said compression cylinders, valves for controlling the admission of gases to, and the discharge of gases from, said compression cylinders, a working cylinder communicating at one end with one of said compression cylinders, a working piston adapted to move in said working cylinder, actuated by compressed gases, and means whereby the motion of said working piston is transmitted to said displacers.

12. The combination of a plurality of compression cylinders, each provided with heating means to maintain one end thereof at higher temperature than the other end thereof, displacer pistons adapted to move therein, and valves arranged to control the admission of gases to, and the discharge of the same from, said cylinders, with a work ing cylinder communicating with one of said compression cylinders, a working piston actuated by the compressed gases, and means for transmitting the movements of said working piston to said displacers.

13. The combination of a gas compressor and a compression cylinder provided with means whereby one end thereof may be maintained at relatively high temperature and arranged to receive gases discharged by said compressor, a displacer piston adapted to move within said compression cylinder, valves controlling the admission of gases to, and the discharge of gases from, said cylinder, and means whereby a reciprocating motion may be transmitted to said displacer piston.

1a. A gas compressor, including, in combination, two compression cylinders connected by a valve controlled passage whereby gases may be discharged from one of said cylinders to the other, a displacer piston adapted to move within one of said cylinders, a regenerator through which gases contained in said cylinder may be trans- V ferred from one end to the other of said cylinder by movements of said displacer piston, means whereby reciprocating motion may be transmitted to and maintained in said displacer piston, and a valve-controlled passage whereby gases may be admitted to and discharged under pressure from said compressor.

15. A gas compressor including, in combination, a compression cylinder arranged with heating means whereby one end thereof is maintained at higher temperature than the other end thereof, a displacer piston adapted to move therein, and means for producing reciprocating motion in said displacer.

16. The combination of a gas compressor and a compression cylinder having a combustion chamber and means for supplying and burning fuel to maintain one end thereof at relatively high temperature, a displacer piston adapted to move within said compression cylinder, means whereby said displacer piston may be made to reciprocate, and valves for controlling the admission and discharge of gases.

17. The combination of a gas compressor and a compression cylinder provided with heating means for one end thereof, a dis- 100 placer adapted to move in said cylinder, a regenerator arranged to alternately withdraw and add heat to gases passed through said regenerator by movement of said displacer, means for reciprocating said dis- 105 placer, and valves controlling the admission and discharge of gases.

18. The combination of a gas compressor and a compression cylinder having a combustion chamber and fuel supplying and 110 burning means for heating one end thereof,

a displacer adapted to move within said cylinder, means for reciprocating said displacer, a working cylinder communicating with said compression cylinder, a working 115 piston actuated by the gases, and means whereby the motion of said working piston is transmitted to said displacer.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of 120 two subscribing witnesses.

H. G. GILLMOR.

Witnesses:

J. H. LINNARD, D. W. TAYLOR.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of .Patents, Washington, I). G." 

